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Robotic telescope service Slooh said the The Rock's close approach was an "alarming reminder" of just how close these destructive chunks of space debris come to Earth on an almost daily basis.

"Even a 30­ metre sized asteroid can cause significant damage to a major city," said Slooh.

(Image: EyeEm)

"While not causing an extinction level event, an impact from an asteroid the size of 'The Rock' would have a calamitous effect at the local and even regional level."

NASA has described the flyby as an "outstanding opportunity" for astronomers and amateur stargazers. The asteroid should be visible with a small optical telescope for one or two nights before it moves out of range.

It added: "Astronomers plan to observe it with telescopes around the world to learn as much about it as possible."